Lake Roosevelt Winter Boat Guide: Drawdown, Pull-Out Timing, and Storage

Most Lake Roosevelt boaters should pull their boat and winterize it before the first hard freeze, because water left in an engine can freeze and crack it. The lake level also changes through the year, and low water can leave ramps unusable, so check current conditions with the National Park Service at nps.gov/laro before you plan a trip to the water.

This guide is for Lake Roosevelt in Washington State, the reservoir on the Columbia River behind Grand Coulee Dam. It isn't about Roosevelt Lake in Arizona.

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What the drawdown is

Lake Roosevelt is a reservoir, so its level is managed at Grand Coulee Dam rather than set by nature alone. The level goes up and down over the year, and at times it's drawn down well below summer pool. When that happens, shorelines widen, some ramps end above the water line, and hazards that are normally deep underwater can sit close to the surface.

We don't publish drawdown levels or dates on this page, because they change from year to year. The National Park Service manages the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and posts current lake levels, ramp status, and alerts at nps.gov/laro. Check it before every late-season or early-spring trip.

What it means for your boat

  • Ramps. A ramp you used in August may not reach the water later in the year. Confirm the ramp is usable before you tow out.
  • Moored boats. If your boat stays in a slip or on a buoy, lines, anchors, and docks need attention as the level changes. See our houseboat winter care page.
  • Navigation. At lower levels, rocks, stumps, and sandbars show up where you didn't see them in summer. Go slow in unfamiliar water.
  • Getting out. If you wait too long, you may end up pulling at a different ramp than planned, or not being able to pull out when you wanted.

When to pull your boat out

There's no single right date. Watch three things:

  1. Overnight lows. Once nights start dropping to freezing, water in the engine block, manifolds, and lower unit is at risk. Winterize before the first hard freeze, not after.
  2. Lake level and ramp status. Check nps.gov/laro. If ramps are closing or the level is dropping fast, pull out sooner.
  3. Your schedule. Fall weekends fill up for mechanics and storage lots. Book winterization and storage before you need it.

A good rule: if you're asking whether it's time, it probably is.

Winter storage checklist

Use this whether you store with us, at home, or somewhere else.

Engine and fuel

  • Winterize the engine: flush or drain the cooling system, add antifreeze where needed, and fog the cylinders.
  • Fill the tank close to full and add fuel stabilizer, then run the engine so treated fuel reaches the system.
  • Change the oil and filter so old, acidic oil doesn't sit in the engine all winter.
  • Change the lower unit gear oil and look for water in the old oil.

Water systems

  • Drain the livewells, baitwells, bilge, and any freshwater or washdown system.
  • Drain or winterize the head and holding tank if you have them.

Electrical

  • Disconnect the batteries or take them home on a maintainer.

Hull and interior

  • Wash the hull and clean the interior. Remove food, drinks, and anything that draws mice.
  • Take electronics, life jackets, and valuables home.
  • Prop open lockers and hatches so air can move.

Cover and trailer

  • Shrink wrap or use a fitted cover that sheds snow.
  • Check the trailer tires, lights, and bearings before the tow, and again before the spring tow.

Before you leave it

  • Take photos of the boat inside and out.

Getting help with winter

If you'd rather not do the checklist yourself, there are two ways we can help.

  • Storage plus mechanic. Store with us, outdoor ($75–$150 a month), covered ($150–$300), or indoor ($300–$500, 12x30 or 12x40, not climate-controlled). Our partner, Spokane Boat Repair, is a mobile marine mechanic that winterizes for $420 plus tax per engine.
  • All-Inclusive Winter Package, $2,200 + tax. We pick up the boat, winterize it, shrink wrap it, store it for the winter, commission and detail it in spring, and deliver it back. Pickup is available up to about 2 hours from our facility.

We're at 44300 State Route 25 N, Davenport, WA, about 1 mile from the Fort Spokane boat launch. Call 509-282-5784, 7 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week.

Frequently asked questions

When should I take my boat out of Lake Roosevelt?

Before the first hard freeze, and before ramps become unusable as the lake level drops. The exact timing changes every year. Check nps.gov/laro for current lake levels and ramp status.

What is the Lake Roosevelt drawdown?

Lake Roosevelt is a reservoir behind Grand Coulee Dam, and its level is lowered at times during the year. Lower water can leave ramps high and dry and bring hazards close to the surface. The National Park Service posts current levels at nps.gov/laro.

Where can I find current Lake Roosevelt ramp conditions?

The National Park Service's Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area site, nps.gov/laro. It lists current lake levels, ramp status, and alerts. We don't publish ramp status ourselves.

Do I need to winterize if my boat is stored indoors?

Yes. Our indoor units are enclosed but not heated or climate-controlled, so an engine stored inside can still freeze. Winterize any boat stored in eastern Washington over the winter.

What happens if I don't winterize?

Water left in the engine block, manifolds, or lower unit can freeze and crack them. That repair usually costs far more than winterizing. Spokane Boat Repair's winterization is $420 plus tax per engine.

Can someone else handle all of this?

Yes. Our All-Inclusive Winter Package is $2,200 plus tax and covers pickup, winterization, shrink wrap, winter storage, spring commissioning, a detail, and delivery back to you. Call 509-282-5784.

Ready to book?

Call or text 509-282-5784. Phones 7 AM – 7 PM daily · 24/7 access.

Call 509-282-5784See Storage Prices →